JobLink streamlines services for clients, employers

JobLink Career Center officials are implementing a new approach for processing clients to assist them in finding jobs and helping employers who need workers.

By Mark SchulmanTimes-News Staff Writer

JobLink Career Center officials are implementing a new approach for processing clients to assist them in finding jobs and helping employers who need workers.A new program will provide users with comprehensive and uniform services across all JobLinks offices, including the Blue Ridge Community College and Hendersonville locations. That will eliminate the need to refer customers to multiple offices for different services such as workshops.“We have always worked together, but we will be working together even closer now,” said Jason Chappell, director at the BRCC office.JobLink provides free services for jobseekers and businesses as well as career planning resources. It is a division of Workforce Solutions for the N.C. Department of Commerce.The plan, which is already beginning to roll out, includes having JobLink team members cater to specific areas including welcoming and evaluating clients. “We will be assessing their needs more and getting them to where they need to be,” Chappell said. “There will be more of a focus on workforce development skills.”The deadline to have the “Integrated Service Delivery” plan in place is Dec. 31. “With the new approach, we are going toward more of a team concept and to be there at the door welcoming folks coming in to assist them,” said Marilyn Williams, local office manager for the JobLink on Francis Road in Hendersonville. “We are assisting folks with the services we've had all along and will continue to have.” Another new tool is a website that will assist people looking for jobs find employment. It will go live in August. Information in the current system will transfer to the new software.

Unemployment services

The JobLink office on Francis Road has been focused on filing unemployment claims in recent years; however, it stopped one-on-one consultations since changes to the state's unemployment law took effect last weekend, Williams said.The state adopted a law that cuts benefits and increases taxes for businesses to offset a $2.5 billion federal debt borrowed for jobless benefits during the recession.The department of commerce remote service center in Raleigh is taking care of claims now, Williams said.“Now our focus is getting them back to work,” she added. Contact the JobLink at BRCC at 828-694-1755 or the Francis Road location at 828-693-1703.Reach Schulman at 828-694-7890 or mark.schulman@blueridgenow.com.

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